Takeshi Ishii KO1 Wilfredo Méndez.... In a stunning finish that left fans in Yokohama in disbelief, Japan’s Takeshi Ishii needed less than three minutes to score a crushing first-round knockout over former champion Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez (20-4-2). Ishii became the new WBA minimumweight champion, as the title was recently vacated. The title was recently vacated by Oscar Collazo, who is moving up two weight divisions to flyweight. Mendez is a former WBO minimumweight champion who reigned from 2019 through 2021. From the opening bell, Ishii (12-1) showed no interest in a traditional feeling-out process. Fully aware of the slickness, movement and technical ability of the Puerto Rican southpaw, the Japanese challenger immediately pressed the action at a relentless pace. Ishii cut off the ring effectively and drove Méndez toward the ropes, refusing to allow him the space needed to settle into his southpaw stance or establish his jab and preferred distance.

 

The ending came quickly. As Méndez attempted to move away with a lateral step, Ishii attacked with a hook to the liver before following up with a powerful right hand to the chin. Méndez crashed heavily to the canvas and, despite attempting to rise on pure determination, the damage proved too severe. The referee completed the count and officially waved off the contest, awarding Ishii the knockout victory.